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Clark Winters
Verified Expert in Engineering
DevOps Engineer and Developer
Jefferson City, MO, United States
Toptal member since December 14, 2023
Bio
Clark is a skilled AWS Developer with extensive expertise in full-stack development. He has advanced skills in AWS cloud services, alongside strong Python and TypeScript skills. He excels at leveraging DevOps tools like Terraform and Docker while helping clients build scalable cloud infrastructure, web services, REST APIs, and automation scripts. Clark prioritizes efficient, tailored solutions with a commitment to on-time delivery and quick adaptability to new projects.
Portfolio
Vayda, Inc
Amazon Web Services (AWS), DevOps, Terraform, Python, Auth0, AWS Glue...
2nd Watch
Go, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SQL, Terraform, Python, Docker, Linux, Bitbucket...
Boeing
Linux, HTML, JavaScript, GitLab, Python, Bash, CSS, Git...
Experience
- Linux - 13 years
- Python - 12 years
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - 10 years
- GitHub - 8 years
- AWS Lambda - 7 years
- Terraform - 6 years
- Docker - 6 years
- TypeScript - 5 years
Work Experience
DevOps Engineer
2024 - 2025
Vayda, Inc
- Architected and implemented robust CI/CD pipelines across 10+ repositories using GitHub Actions, creating a suite of reusable custom actions that reduced deployment errors and decreased release time from 2 days to less than an hour.
- Spearheaded the Infrastructure as Code initiative using Terraform, establishing configuration parity across development, staging, and production AWS environments, resulting in environment bugs being cut by 50% and enabling confident deployments.
- Designed and optimized release orchestration processes, developing automated scripts that coordinated service dependencies, ensuring zero-downtime deployments, and maintaining 99.9% system availability.
- Engineered scalable data pipelines that processed around 100GB daily, seamlessly integrating with Snowflake and other data targets, which enabled real-time analytics and delivered actionable data to product teams.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), DevOps, Terraform, Python, Auth0, AWS Glue, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Sentry, GitHub Actions, Serverless Framework, AWS Lambda, Amazon EventBridge, AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM), React, FastAPI, TypeScript, Playwright, Amazon API Gateway, Make (formerly Integromat), Snowflake, SQL, Bash, PostgreSQL, Amazon Aurora, Retool, Amazon CloudWatch, Fivetran, Docker, Markdown, GitHub, Git, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), AWS DevOps, Node.js, REST APIs, ECS, GitOps, Performance Analysis, Serverless, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Containers, AWS ALB, AWS IAM, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Cloud, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Automated Testing, Cloud Architecture, Lint, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon EC2, Networks, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Network Engineering, AWS Secrets Manager, Single Sign-on (SSO), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), AWS CloudTrail, Amazon CloudFront, Amazon RDS, Continuous Deployment, Amazon DynamoDB, Logic Design, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, MySQL DBA, Amazon Machine Images (AMI), Security, Back-end, Data Engineering, ETL Tools, Google Compute Engine (GCE), Flask, Cloudflare, DevSecOps, IT Security, Backups, Grafana, Performance Tuning, API Integration
Lead Cloud Engineer
2019 - 2022
2nd Watch
- Introduced infrastructure as code configuration and other automated solutions to optimize clients' systems and streamline internal processes.
- Developed an intuitive full-stack application, enabling a streamlined process for the patching team to categorize and patch customers' Amazon EC2 instances.
- Performed system administration tasks such as installing software, applying patches, and maintaining file systems on Linux and Windows Virtual Machines.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences through on-time delivery, consistent communication, and technical expertise.
- Collaborated regularly with other engineering teams to ensure system reliability and durability.
- Mentored and collaborated with team members, which allowed for increased delivery quality and skill development for all involved.
Technologies: Go, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SQL, Terraform, Python, Docker, Linux, Bitbucket, GitHub, Markdown, Bash, Jira, Git, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Vim Text Editor, PostgreSQL, HTML, JavaScript, GitLab, CSS, Oracle Database, MySQL, DevOps, CI/CD Pipelines, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Architecture, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Kubernetes, Amazon EKS, AWS DevOps, GitLab CI/CD, MongoDB, Node.js, REST APIs, Vue, ECS, GitOps, Unix, Monitoring, New Relic, Performance Analysis, DevOps Engineer, Ansible, Web Development, Serverless, AWS Lambda, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Containers, Amazon Cognito, AWS ALB, AWS IAM, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Cloud, Redis, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon API Gateway, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Automated Testing, Cloud Architecture, NoSQL, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Firebase, AWS Glue, GitHub Actions, Serverless Framework, Amazon EventBridge, AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM), Make (formerly Integromat), Snowflake, Amazon Aurora, Retool, Amazon CloudWatch, Amazon EC2, AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CloudFormation, Datadog, Networks, VPN, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Network Engineering, AWS Secrets Manager, AWS VPN, Single Sign-on (SSO), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Cloud Run, AWS CloudTrail, Amazon CloudFront, Amazon RDS, HIPAA Compliance, Continuous Deployment, TypeScript, Amazon DynamoDB, Logic Design, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, MySQL DBA, Amazon Machine Images (AMI), Security, Back-end, Data Engineering, ETL Tools, Google Compute Engine (GCE), Flask, Cloudflare, DevSecOps, IT Security, Backups, Grafana, Performance Tuning, SOC 2, Azure, API Integration
Systems Integration Specialist
2018 - 2019
Boeing
- Configured and maintained Linux servers to ensure proper operation and security.
- Authored automation scripts to streamline operating system builds and delivery.
- Crafted custom, security hardened ISOs containing commonly required software packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, Ubuntu, and SUSE.
- Implemented and administered a self-hosted GitLab instance, empowering the team with enhanced source control and continuous deployment capabilities.
- Created intranet websites that allowed internal customers to learn about the team's offerings, release cycles, and maintenance schedules.
Technologies: Linux, HTML, JavaScript, GitLab, Python, Bash, CSS, Git, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Docker, Vim Text Editor, Markdown, Jira, DevOps, CI/CD Pipelines, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Architecture, GitLab CI/CD, Node.js, REST APIs, GitOps, Unix, Monitoring, DevOps Engineer, Ansible, Web Development, Containers, Cloud, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Make (formerly Integromat), Amazon EC2, Networks, VPN, Single Sign-on (SSO), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Continuous Deployment, Logic Design, Databases, Security, Back-end, Data Engineering, ETL Tools, IT Security, Backups, Azure, API Integration
Database Administrator
2015 - 2017
2nd Watch
- Managed daily operations for hundreds of database instances residing on both Amazon EC2 virtual machines and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), including introducing strategic automation to minimize human error and time requirements.
- Implemented automated, volume-based backup and restore for databases using Amazon EC2 snapshots, decreasing backup and restore times by 90% on average.
- Initiated the database migration process standardization for increased efficiency and reduced error rates.
- Pioneered the creation and integration of the database support service, revolutionizing the role of database support within the managed cloud services business.
- Established high-quality production enterprise support for Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL databases.
- Proposed strategic infrastructure recommendations to customers that often allowed clients to decrease cloud spend on database services by up to 30%.
Technologies: Linux, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle Database, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Bash, Bitbucket, Git, GitHub, Vim Text Editor, Markdown, SQL, Jira, Architecture, AWS DevOps, GitOps, Unix, Monitoring, New Relic, Performance Analysis, DevOps Engineer, Serverless, AWS Lambda, AWS IAM, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Cloud, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Cloud Architecture, NoSQL, Make (formerly Integromat), Amazon Aurora, Amazon CloudWatch, Amazon EC2, AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CloudFormation, Networks, VPN, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), AWS VPN, Single Sign-on (SSO), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Amazon CloudFront, Amazon RDS, HIPAA Compliance, Amazon DynamoDB, Logic Design, PSQL, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, MySQL DBA, Amazon Machine Images (AMI), Security, Python, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Data Engineering, ETL Tools, IT Security, Backups, Performance Tuning, SOC 2
Oracle Database Administrator
2013 - 2015
Boeing
- Served as the tech lead for the internal Oracle Database on Linux managed service offering at Boeing, overseeing 65% of all Oracle Database infrastructure for the company, which amounted to nearly 8,000 databases on Oracle RAC clusters.
- Implemented, maintained, troubleshot, and planned the capacity of Oracle RAC clusters, including the orchestration of round-the-clock operational support.
- Composed run books and automation scripts to minimize errors and reduce delivery times.
- Produced Oracle Database on Linux golden images used on VMware instances for Boeing's internal cloud-managed database service offering.
Technologies: Linux, Bash, Oracle Database, Oracle RAC, Oracle Data Guard, Vim Text Editor, SQL, Unix, Monitoring, Performance Analysis, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Make (formerly Integromat), Networks, VPN, Logic Design, PSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, MySQL DBA, Security, Python, IT Security, Backups, Performance Tuning
Database Administrator
2011 - 2013
IBM
- Maintained Oracle, IBM Db2, and SQL Server databases hosted on Linux and Windows, including 24/7 on-call support.
- Ensured that all database instances were highly available and recoverable.
- Improved daily health check processes by creating shell scripts that ran on Cron schedules and automatically delivered results to the appropriate stakeholders, replacing high-touch and manual procedures.
- Migrated Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) backup jobs to Oracle Enterprise Manager, resulting in greater scheduling flexibility and consistent alerting.
Technologies: Linux, Bash, Oracle Database, Oracle Data Guard, Microsoft SQL Server, Vim Text Editor, SQL, Unix, Monitoring, Networks, VPN, HIPAA Compliance, PSQL, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, Security, IT Security, Backups, SOC 2
Project History
Cloud Custodian
A service created to help reduce cloud spend on non-production infrastructure by running a development, test, or QA environment only when needed. Users can access a URL with specific parameters to indicate the environment they want to use. The service then authenticates the user and checks whether the domain is running. If it isn't, the service starts the environment using the appropriate Cloud SDK functions. While the environment begins, the user sees a "pending" screen with a loading spinner. Once the domain is available, the user is automatically directed to the correct URL. The environment remains active until there are two hours of inactivity before being automatically shut down. This solution results in significant cost savings of approximately 80% for cloud infrastructure.
Additionally, it provides internal users with a consistent URL for the environment, making it more convenient to access. I designed and implemented this solution using Go, HTML templates, and WebSockets. The service runs on a virtual server within the client's Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) account, where the target environment is also configured.
Additionally, it provides internal users with a consistent URL for the environment, making it more convenient to access. I designed and implemented this solution using Go, HTML templates, and WebSockets. The service runs on a virtual server within the client's Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) account, where the target environment is also configured.
Devon Farm Rescue
A web application for accepting adoption applications from potential homes for Devon Farm Rescue. To accomplish this project, I implemented a Go server that renders HTML using templates and accepts form data from HTTP POST requests. The application is hosted on DigitalOcean's App Platform and utilizes a CockroachDB Serverless database for data storage.
One of the interesting features of the project is the implementation of a workflow that automatically sets up a new live environment whenever a new pull request is opened in the GitHub repository. This workflow plays a crucial role in validating the application's functionality in a real environment, eliminating the common issue of "it works on my computer" before changes reach the production application. The setup of the validation environment is facilitated using GitHub Actions and Terraform.
One of the interesting features of the project is the implementation of a workflow that automatically sets up a new live environment whenever a new pull request is opened in the GitHub repository. This workflow plays a crucial role in validating the application's functionality in a real environment, eliminating the common issue of "it works on my computer" before changes reach the production application. The setup of the validation environment is facilitated using GitHub Actions and Terraform.
GoMap
https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/cwinters8/gomapA BSD-3-Clause licensed Go module designed for interacting with JMAP mail servers, including Fastmail. I developed GoMap because I needed to send emails from an application I was working on and wanted more than the available email SaaS offerings. These services were more complex and expensive than what I needed. Since I was already a Fastmail user, I discovered they used the JMAP protocol for email communication, which I could leverage to programmatically send and query emails. By creating GoMap, I solved my problem and deepened my understanding of email protocols.
Inclusive Care Colorado
A revolutionary health provider directory service thoughtfully tailored for LGBTQ individuals, generously supported by the Colorado nonprofit Out Boulder County. In this endeavor, I developed an API service in Go, complemented by a serene and inviting front end crafted with Next.js and the sophisticated Tailwind CSS framework. This transformative service empowered individuals who frequently encountered discrimination in healthcare, bridging them with meticulously screened providers who not only empathized with their distinctive needs but also provided an inclusive space for their well-being.
Skills
Libraries/APIs
REST APIs, Node.js, React, Vue, Playwright
Tools
Terraform, Vim Text Editor, GitHub, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), AWS IAM, AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Git, Amazon EKS, AWS CodeBuild, Ansible, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Auth0, Sentry, Make (formerly Integromat), Retool, VPN, AWS CloudTrail, Amazon CloudFront, Grafana, Bitbucket, Jira, GitLab, Oracle RAC, GitLab CI/CD, Amazon Cognito, AWS Glue, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Google Compute Engine (GCE)
Languages
Bash, Markdown, Python, HTML, Go, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, TypeScript, Snowflake
Paradigms
DevOps, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Continuous Deployment, DevSecOps, Automated Testing, HIPAA Compliance
Platforms
Linux, Docker, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Lambda, AWS ALB, Amazon EC2, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Oracle Database, Kubernetes, Vercel, Unix, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Firebase, DigitalOcean, New Relic, Cloud Run, Azure
Storage
Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon Aurora, Database Administration (DBA), Databases, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, CockroachDB, Amazon DynamoDB, PSQL, Oracle Cloud, MongoDB, Redis, NoSQL, Datadog
Frameworks
Next.js, Serverless Framework, AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM), Flask, Tailwind CSS
Other
CI/CD Pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), ECS, GitOps, DevOps Engineer, Serverless, Containers, Cloud, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Cloud Architecture, GitHub Actions, AWS Secrets Manager, Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Amazon RDS, Logic Design, Amazon Machine Images (AMI), Security, Backups, API Integration, Architecture, AWS DevOps, AWS CodePipeline, Monitoring, Performance Analysis, Web Development, Amazon API Gateway, Lint, Amazon EventBridge, Networks, Network Engineering, Single Sign-on (SSO), MySQL DBA, Back-end, Data Engineering, ETL Tools, Cloudflare, IT Security, Performance Tuning, SOC 2, Oracle Data Guard, WebSockets, Jmap, Email, FastAPI, Fivetran, AWS VPN
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